The CoLaboratories of Social Oceanography: Plural Space Aimed at Fostering the Integral Conservation of Seas and Coastal Societies

Abstract

This essay reviews the scope and aims of Social Oceanography as presented and discussed at the First Social Oceanography Meeting held at the Center for Human Geography Studies of El Colegio de Michoacán in September 2017. Social Oceanography is a hybrid field of study at the interface between the natural and social sciences focused on understanding the relationships and interactions of past and present human societies, and the coastal/marine environment. We present our argument in three sections. First, we describe the chronological development and evolution of the discipline. Second, we offer a contemporary overview of the sphere of action of social oceanographers and the pressing need to extend this approach to all spheres of marine studies. Lastly, we summarize the strengths and challenges of Social Oceanography and the ways we will deal with them through the creation of a CoLaboratory.